OG Anunoby Expected To Recieve $35 Million Offer In Free Agency
OG Anunoby could be making at least $35 million during free agency, according to Michael A. Scotto of the HoopsHype podcast. He spoke about Anunoby’s floor being at $35 million and his ceiling being at a max contract. They noted that the 76ers will be interested in Anunoby if they can’t land Paul George, providing competition to the Knicks.
“The leaguewide expectation is that OG Anunoby will return to the Knicks. The question is, for how much? From executives I’ve talked to around the league, Anunoby’s floor appears to be $35 million, and his ceiling is a max contract.”
“Philadelphia will be looking for a 3-and-D small forward and has the max cap space to make the offer if they believe they’ll miss out on their top target, Paul George. Two general managers told me they’d pay Anunoby $35 million annually and that a max would be tough because of his injury history.”
OG Anunoby joined the Knicks last season after they traded for him. He became a vital piece of their team, becoming one of their primary 3-and-D players. Anunoby struggled with injuries during the regular season but played well for the Knicks. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
Anunoby’s numbers improved in the playoffs, averaging 15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Anunoby would be tempted by a max contract offer, which would roughly be in the range of $42 to $45 million. Perhaps the 76ers will be willing to give him the max if they miss out on their targets.
Will The 76ers Steal Anunoby This Year?
OG Anunoby was a target for the 76ers last season before the Knicks eventually landed him in the trade with the Raptors. The Knicks are high on Anunoby and will be looking to bring him in. Anunoby has a $19.9 million player option, which most around the league expect him to reject, and enter free agency.
The Knicks are expected to re-sign Anunoby, barring any surprises. Perhaps the 76ers could play spoiler. The 76ers are looking at Paul George and Jimmy Butler to add some star-level depth to their roster, but if they were to miss out on them, they would have quite a lot of money to offer Anunoby.
The Knicks will do whatever they can to try and retain him, but one can imagine why they would be hesitant to offer him the max, as it would limit whatever cap space they have set up that they want to use to bolster their roster. The Knicks could use their cap space to sign another star or pad out their roster with role players.
Anunoby, for his part, has not spoken about his future whenever asked. He is clearly keeping his cards close to the vest and doesn’t want to give away any leverage in negotiations. Regardless of where he joins, Anunoby has earned his new lucrative contract.
